Kottayam: The investigation into a case involving an employee who swindled ₹3 crore from the Kottayam Municipal Corporation by allegedly manipulating pension amounts has been handed over to the Vigilance. The district police chief received the order from the state police chief on Thursday. District Crime Branch DySP Saju Varghese has been leading the investigation.

Akhil C Varghese, an employee of the Kottayam Municipal Corporation, allegedly embezzled the funds by altering pension amounts. The embezzled money was transferred to the bank account of the accused's deceased mother. The accused is still absconding.

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The Crime Branch has already gathered evidence related to the ₹2.39 crore scam.

The Crime Branch conducted extensive searches across the state, including in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, to locate the absconding accused. However, these attempts have been unsuccessful. A relative who assisted the accused in fleeing has been arrested.

It was also found that the accused withdrew over ₹7 lakh from the bank the day before going into hiding. Authorities have information suggesting that the accused still possesses this money. DySP Saju Varghese, who is overseeing the investigation, stated that they have been unable to trace the accused's mobile phone or identify ATM card usage after he went into hiding.

Steps have been taken to prevent the accused from leaving the country. District Police Chief Shahul Hameed A confirmed that the investigation has now been transferred to Vigilance, and the case files will be handed over on Friday.

Earlier, the Local Self-Government Department had notified the transfer of Akhil to the Changanassery Municipal Corporation. However, this order was withdrawn the following day due to controversy.